Suspected Pakistani national involved in terror attack on Jewish event in Australia during Hanukkah; more than a dozen fatalities

Tragic Attack at Hanukkah Gathering in Australia

A Pakistani national is now facing charges linked to what authorities are calling a “terrorist incident.” This tragic event resulted in the deaths of at least 15 individuals, including a 12-year-old child, during a Jewish gathering at Bondi Beach on the first night of Hanukkah.

In addition to the fatalities, around 40 people sustained injuries and were taken to hospitals, with two police officers and three children among the injured, as reported by CBS News.

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Runyon stated that the attack unfolded early Monday morning local time, when two gunmen—a 50-year-old father and his 24-year-old son—began firing during the community celebration.

Runyon added that the older gunman died at the scene, while his son is in serious condition at a local hospital.

The younger suspect, identified as Naveed Akram, has ties to Sydney and was confirmed as a Pakistani national through documentation from Australian law enforcement.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park noted that the death toll has tragically risen from 12 to 16, including the young victim. Three additional children are receiving medical attention.

“This is devastating for our entire community, especially the Jewish community,” Park commented. He expressed immense sorrow, stating, “What we saw last night was one of the worst human tragedies, but also an opportunity for humanity to come together.” There’s still some uncertainty about whether the casualties include the shooter.

The Chabad organization, representative of a specific ultra-Orthodox Jewish sect, confirmed that Rabbi Eli Schlanger was among those killed.

According to reports, the event named “Hanukkah by the Sea” began at sunset and attracted over 1,000 attendees when the shooting occurred. Runyon described the violence as a “terrorist incident,” mentioning that the assailants were armed with long guns.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also deemed the attack as targeted, with Minns explicitly stating that it aimed to affect Sydney’s Jewish community.

“What we witnessed was a profoundly evil act—an attack on the very essence of joy and celebration at Bondi Beach, a beloved Australian location,” Albanese remarked during a press conference.

Runyon further revealed that law enforcement discovered multiple improvised explosive devices in a vehicle on Campbell Parade, the main road adjoining Bondi Beach, shortly after the shooting. A bomb squad was promptly dispatched to the scene.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio took to social media to denounce the attack, expressing strong condemnation of anti-Semitism and extending prayers to the victims and the Jewish community.

Witnesses captured footage showing a brave individual, later identified as Ahmed Al Ahmed, who fought with one of the armed assailants, managing to disarm him temporarily amidst the chaos.

In a nation where mass shootings are relatively rare, Australia has seen a disturbing rise in anti-Semitic incidents, especially following recent conflicts in the Middle East. Government efforts to address these hate crimes were initiated, but attacks have persisted.